In a passionate address at an election rally in Gurez, Bandipore, on September 29, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his thoughts on India-Pakistan relations, stating that India could have offered Pakistan more financial support than what they sought from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if ties had been better.
Currently facing one of its worst economic crises, Pakistan recently secured a new $7 billion loan from the IMF as part of a bailout program. The country, now the IMF's fifth-largest debtor, has received 22 bailout packages since 1958 and owes $6.28 billion to the Fund.
"Modi Ji had announced a special PM package for development here [in Jammu and Kashmir] in 2014-15. That PM package has now increased and it is so much money, that Pakistan was requesting from the IMF for a fund lesser than this," Singh remarked, emphasizing the significant financial commitment made by the Indian government.
Highlighting the Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) initiated by PM Modi in 2015, Singh also referenced former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s wisdom: "You can change friends but not neighbours." He reiterated, "If there had been a better relationship, we would have given more money to Pakistan than what they asked from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)."
Singh didn't shy away from criticising Islamabad, asserting, "Pakistan seeks money from other countries to run a terrorist factory on its soil." He pointed out that investigations into terrorist activities in Kashmir have consistently revealed Pakistan's involvement. "Whenever we have investigated terrorism, we have found Pakistani involvement. Our successive governments have tried to make Pakistan understand that they should stop terror camps but to no avail," he noted.
Expressing India's resolve, Singh declared, "This is a new India; we are ready to fight against terrorism, not just on this side of the borders but if needed, we will do that by going to the other side of the borders as well." He also highlighted Pakistan’s isolation on the global stage, mentioning that even Turkey, a former supporter, has refrained from discussing Kashmir at the UN General Assembly.
Addressing those who may threaten India, Singh warned, "I want to make it clear to those sitting on the other side of the border, planning to harm India, that if there's any terrorist attack in India, we will strike them wherever they are." He added that Pakistan is "frustrated" following the revocation of Article 370 and is attempting to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen a rise in attacks recently.
Turning his attention to the opposition, Singh criticized the National Conference (NC) and Congress for their claims to restore Article 370. "Only the Central Government has the authority to bring it back. After the removal of Article 370, people enthusiastically participated in the elections. This is the message of change in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the national flag is being hoisted at Srinagar's Lal Chowk. Today, record numbers of tourists are visiting Kashmir. Today, the youth here are holding computers, not stones. IIM, IIT, and National Colleges will be established here. NC-Congress and PDP have only looted here. They did nothing for the people, only secured their families," Rajnath Singh concluded passionately.
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